Mobile workstation

ABSTRACT

A mobile workstation having a mobile base and a post. One or more accessories are secured to the post in order to configure the workstation for a particular application. The post has a plurality of mounting surfaces, each mounting surface having a plurality of accessory mounting locations. One or more accessories, such as, a work surface, a footrest, an equipment holder, and the like is coupled to the post at one of the accessory mounting locations. Each of the plurality of mounting surfaces generally faces outward in a different radial direction. Each of the plurality of accessory mounting locations are generally associated with at least one mounting hole. The mounting hole(s) can optionally be threaded. In general, the equipment holder is configured to accept at least one piece of equipment (e.g., a computer, portable computer, keyboard, display, etc.).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a mobile workstation for electronic equipment such as computers, multimedia components and the like.

Typical workstations include various storage and work surfaces to position computers, monitors, various electronic components and the like at desired locations. Various adjustments are provided to tailor the workstation to the type of equipment used as well as user preferences. Some workstations are better suited for portable computer equipment. Other workstations are better suited for desktop computer equipment. Some workstations provide security and storage functions. It is desirable to provide a mobile workstation that is simple to configure and flexible in its configuration options.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to a mobile workstation having a mobile base and a post. One or more accessories are secured to the post in order to configure the workstation for a particular application. The post has a plurality of mounting surfaces, each mounting surface having a plurality of accessory mounting locations. One or more accessories (e.g., work surface, footrest or equipment holder) can be coupled to the post at an appropriate accessory mounting location. In general, an equipment holder is configured to accept at least one piece of equipment (e.g., a computer, portable computer, keyboard or display). Each of the plurality of mounting surfaces generally faces outward in a different radial direction. In one example, each of the plurality of accessory mounting locations are generally associated with a mounting hole. In another example, the plurality of accessory mounting locations are associated with at least two mounting holes having a first spacing, and the accessory (or accessories) having at least two mounting holes with a second spacing that generally corresponds to the first spacing. The mounting holes can optionally be threaded.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings, while the scope of the invention is set forth in the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view showing a post and mobile base in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view detailing mounting of a post to a mobile base in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 3 is a pictorial view of a mobile base in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 4 a is a pictorial view of a mobile workstation with a post, a mobile base and a horizontal work surface, shown with mounting details, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 4 b is a pictorial view of a mobile workstation with a post, a mobile base and a horizontal work surface in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 5 a is a pictorial view of a mobile workstation with a post, a mobile base and a portable computer platform, shown with mounting details, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 5 b is a pictorial view of a mobile workstation with a post, a mobile base and a portable computer platform in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 6 is a pictorial view of a footrest in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 7 a and 7 b are pictorial views of a computer holder(s) in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 8 is a pictorial view of a workstation with a post, a footrest, a work surface, a computer holder and a display support in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 9 is a pictorial view of a two sided workstation with a post, two footrests, two work surfaces, two computer holders and two display supports in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 10 is a pictorial view of an alternative embodiment of the mobile workstation.

FIG. 11 is a pictorial view of the mobile workstation that shows a mounting plate that is used to mount an accessory to the mobile workstation such that the mounting plate is configured to be fastened to the post of the mobile workstation using at least one mounting hole of the post.

FIG. 12 is a pictorial view of an alternative embodiment of the post of the mobile workstation showing the channel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a portion of a mobile workstation in accordance with the invention. The workstation has a post 20 and a mobile base 40. The post is generally oriented vertically with respect to the plane of the base. In this example the post is manufactured from metal. However, the post can me manufactured from a variety of other materials such as wood, plastics, laminated structures, composites and the like. The post has a plurality of generally planar mounting surfaces. In this example the post is generally rectangular in cross section and includes four mounting surfaces, namely front mounting surface 21, side mounting surfaces 22 and 23 and rear mounting surface 24. In general, the mounting surfaces each face outward in a different radial direction. In the current example, the mounting surfaces are disposed 90 degrees apart, although posts with other polygon cross-sections are included in the scope of the invention.

The post 20 has a plurality of accessory mounting locations 25. The mounting locations are associated with one or more mounting holes 26 that are generally configured to receive one or more accessories, discussed in detail below. Each mounting location is generally associated with one or more mounting holes 26. Mounting holes 26 can be arranged in one or more groups (e.g., two or more mounting holes) with pre-determined vertical and horizontal spacing between the various mounting holes. In this example, the four upper groups 28 are provided with four mounting holes and two lower groups 29 are provided with eight mounting holes. It is understood that additional spacing configurations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

In this example, mounting holes 26 are threaded to receive threaded fasteners for securing one or more accessories to the post 20. A variety of fastener types can be utilized including fasteners that do not require threaded mounting holes. In this example, the post is generally hollow. On or more openings 27 are provided in the front mounting surface 21. Openings 27 provide access to the interior of the post 20 and can be used for cable management. It is understood that additional openings can be provided, and can be arranged in a variety of configurations on any of the various mounting surfaces.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the post 20 is coupled to the mobile base 40 via post mount 30. Mobile base has a frame 41, a plurality of wheels 42, and a post support 45 including a post mounting surface 46. Wheels 42 are attached to the frame via conventional means, as is well known in the art. In this example the frame 41 is manufactured from metal. However, the frame 41 can me manufactured from a variety of other materials such as wood, plastics, laminated structures, composites and the like. In this example, the post support 45 is formed from a beam 47 and plate 48. It is understood that other post support configurations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. The post mounting surface 46 is formed with a plurality of mounting holes 49 with appropriate spacing between holes to generally align with or correspond with mounting holes formed in the post mount 30.

In this example, post mount 30 is comprised of a pair of brackets 31. Brackets 31 have a post mounting surface 32 that is coupled to the post 20. In this example, brackets 31 are formed with a plurality of post mounting holes 33 that have substantially the same vertical and horizontal spacing between holes as the mounting holes 26 formed in the post 20. In this example the brackets 31 are manufactured from metal. However, the brackets 31 can be manufactured from a variety of other materials such as wood, plastics, laminated structures, composites and the like. Appropriate fasteners are used to couple the mounting brackets to the post. In this example, threaded fasteners 34 are passed through the holes in the brackets 31, threaded into the holes 26 formed in the post, and are appropriately tightened thereby securing brackets 31 to the post.

Brackets 31 are also formed with a base mounting surface 35 that is coupled to the mobile base 40. Brackets 31 may also be strengthened as required for the particular application. For example, one or more gussets 37 may be used to provide additional stiffness between the post mounting surface and the base mounting surface. In this example, brackets 31 are formed with a plurality of base mounting holes 36 with appropriate spacing between holes to correspond with mounting holes 26 formed in the post mounting surface 46 of the mobile base 40. Appropriate fasteners are used to couple the mounting brackets to the mobile base. In this example, threaded fasteners 38 (e.g., nuts and bolts) are passed through the base mounting holes and the nuts are tightened from the underside of the mobile base thereby securing the brackets 31 to the post mounting surface 46 of the mobile base 40.

As stated above, the workstation has a mobile base 10 and a post 20. The post is generally oriented vertically with respect to the plane of the base. One or more accessories are secured to the post in order to configure the workstation for a particular application. Accessories can include variously shaped work surfaces, footrests, equipment holders (such as portable computers, desktop computers, keyboards, displays and the like). The post 20 has a plurality of mounting surfaces, each facing outward in a different radial direction. Accordingly, one or more accessories may be mounted to any of the mounting surfaces, thereby yielding numerous configuration options.

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b show a post 20, a mobile base 40 and a generally horizontal work surface 50 coupled to the front mounting surface 21, in accordance with the invention. In this example, the work surface 50 is generally rectangular in shape. It is appreciated that other work surface shapes are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. The work surface 50 is attached to the post 20 via support 52. The support has a frame 53 and a mounting surface 54 formed with a plurality of post mounting holes 55 that have substantially the same vertical and horizontal spacing between holes as the mounting holes 26 formed in the post 20. In this example, the mounting surface 54 has four mounting holes 55. Appropriate fasteners are used to couple the frame 53 to the post. In this example, threaded fasteners (not shown) can be passed through the holes in the mounting surface 54 and threaded into the holes 26 formed in the post to secure the frame 53 to the post. Appropriate fasteners can be used to secure the mounting surface 50 to the frame 53, as is well known in the art. The work surface 50 and frame 53 can be formed using a variety of materials such as wood, metal, plastics, laminated structures, composites and the like as is well known in the art. In this example, the work surface 50 is formed of wood with a plastic laminate surface and the frame 53 is formed of metal.

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b show a post 20, a mobile base 40 and a portable computer mount 60 coupled to the front mounting surface 21, in accordance with the invention. In this example, the portable computer mount 60 is generally rectangular in shape. It is appreciated that other computer or equipment mount shapes are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. The portable computer mount 60 has a tray 61 that is attached to the post 20 via support 62. The support 62 has a tray support surface 63 formed with a plurality of tray mounting holes 64 that have substantially the same vertical and horizontal spacing between holes as the mounting holes 64 formed in the tray 61. Appropriate fasteners 66 (e.g., nuts and bolts) are used to couple the tray 61 to the support 62. It is appreciated that the provision of multiple sets of holes in the tray support surface 61 allows for tray depth adjustment (i.e., the spacing between the tray and the post 20).

The support 62 also has a post mounting surface 67 formed with mounting holes 68. Appropriate fasteners are used to couple the support 61 to the post 20. In this example, one or more threaded fasteners 69 can be passed through the holes in the post mounting surface 67 and threaded into the holes 26 formed in the post 20 to secure the support 62 to the post 20. Portable computer mount 60 can also be equipped with security features so that a portable computer can be securely retained. For example, a security bar 65 or other security features can be provided, as is well known in the art.

FIG. 6 shows a foot support 70 in accordance with the invention. In this example, the foot support 70 has a footrest portion 72 and a mount 74. The footrest portion 72 is generally shown as a trapezoidal shape formed of tubular material. It is appreciated that other footrests shapes are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. The foot support mount 74 is formed with a plurality of mounting holes 76. Appropriate fasteners are used to couple the support foot support mount 74 to the post 20. In this example, one or more threaded fasteners 78 can be passed through the holes in the foot support mount 74 and threaded into the holes 26 formed in the post to secure the frame foot support 70 to the post 20.

FIGS. 7 a and 7 b show a computer holder 80 coupled to post 20 in accordance with the invention. The computer holder 80 is generally configured to hold a desktop computer or other equipment. The computer holder 80 is generally formed of two portions, namely a main body 81 and a wall 82. The main body 81 includes a computer support surface 83 and a post mounting surface 84. In this example the computer support surface 83 and mounting surface 84 are generally disposed at 90 degrees with respect to each other. The post mounting surface 84 is formed with a plurality of mounting holes 85. Appropriate fasteners are used to couple the main body 81 to the post 20. In this example, one or more threaded fasteners 86 can be passed through the mounting holes 85 in the main body 81 and threaded into the holes 26 formed in the post 20 to secure the main body 81 to the post 20.

In this example, the wall 82 is generally disposed at a 90 degree angle with respect to the computer support surface 83. The wall 82 is also adjustable with respect to its location relative to the post mounting surface 84 thereby providing a width adjustment for a range of equipment dimensions (i.e., the distance between the wall 82 and the post mounting surface 84). The wall 82 has a plurality of mounting holes 87. The computer support surface 83 has a pair of grooves 88 that have substantially the same spacing as the mounting holes 87 formed in the wall 82. Appropriate fasteners are used to couple the wall 82 to the main body 81. In this example, one or more threaded fasteners 89 can be passed through the mounting holes 87 in the wall 82 and the slots 88 in the main body 81. The main body 81 can then be adjusted to the desired location and secured with washers and nuts.

FIG. 8 shows a pictorial view of a workstation with a post 20, a footrest 70, a work surface 58 and a computer holder 80. FIG. 8 also shows a display support 90 in accordance with the invention. Display support 90 includes a display support surface 91, pivoting arm 92, and keyboard support 93. The pivoting arm 92 includes a post mounting surface 94 that is coupled to a mounting location on the post 20 via appropriate fasteners as discussed above. This particular configuration, when combined with a mobile base provides a single sided mobile workstation in accordance with the invention. Similarly, FIG. 9, shows a pictorial view of a double-sided workstation with a post 20, two footrests 70, two work surfaces 58, two computer holders 80 and two display supports 90 in accordance with the invention. It is understood that other display support structures may be utilized with the invention including supports for flat panel displays such as LCD monitors, plasma displays and the like.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the post 20 may be composed of a plurality of accessory mounting locations such that a single mounting hole is used for mounting an accessory to the mobile workstation. FIG. 10 is a pictorial view of the mobile workstation that shows a single mounting hole 125 that is used for mounting an accessory to the mobile workstation in accordance with this alternative embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a a pictorial view of the mobile workstation that shows a mounting plate 137 that is used to mount an accessory to the mobile workstation such that the mounting plate 137 is configured to be fastened to the post 20 of the mobile workstation using at least one mounting hole 125 of the post 20.

Another embodiment of the mobile workstation utilizes a channel 100 that runs vertically along the post 20 with respect to the plane of a floor. FIG. 12 shows the alternative embodiment of the workstation with the vertical channel and locking intervals. Accessories may be slideably mounted to the channel 100 of the post 20 via a mounting plate 137. The mounting plate 137 may be integrally configured with the accessory or separate therefrom and is configured to lock in place 130 along the channel 100 at various intervals in order to secure the accessory to the post 20.

It is readily apparent that numerous configurations are possible based on the foregoing disclosure. It is also readily apparent that other accessories can be combined with the invention to provide additional configuration options without departing from the scope of the invention. While the foregoing description and drawings represent the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 

1. A mobile workstation, comprising: a post having a plurality of mounting surfaces, each mounting surface having a plurality of accessory mounting locations, a mobile base coupled to the post, and at least one accessory coupled to the post at one of the accessory mounting locations.
 2. The mobile workstation of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of mounting surfaces faces outward in a different radial direction.
 3. The mobile workstation of claim 1, wherein the plurality of mounting surfaces are substantially planar.
 4. The mobile workstation of claim 1, wherein the plurality of mounting surfaces are disposed at 90 degree angles to each other.
 5. The mobile workstation of claim 1, wherein the plurality of mounting surfaces are angularly displaced to each other.
 6. The mobile workstation of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of accessory mounting locations are associated with at least one mounting hole.
 7. The mobile workstation of claim 1, wherein the accessory is selected from the group consisting of a work surface, footrest, and equipment holder.
 8. The mobile workstation of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of accessory mounting locations are associated with at least two mounting holes having a first spacing, at least one accessory has at least two mounting holes having a second spacing, wherein the first spacing generally corresponds to the second spacing.
 9. The mobile workstation of claim 8, wherein each of the mounting holes are threaded.
 10. The mobile workstation of claim 1, wherein the post is hollow, and at least one mounting surface is formed with an opening.
 11. The mobile workstation of claim 7, wherein the equipment holder is configured to accept at least one piece of equipment selected from the group consisting of a computer, portable computer, keyboard and display.
 12. A mobile workstation, comprising: a post having a plurality of mounting surfaces, each mounting surface having a plurality of accessory mounting locations, a mobile base coupled to the post, and and an equipment holder, wherein the equipment holder is coupled to the post at one of the accessory mounting locations.
 13. The mobile workstation of claim 12, wherein the each of the plurality of mounting surfaces faces outward in a different radial direction.
 14. The mobile workstation of claim 12, wherein the plurality of mounting surfaces are substantially planar.
 15. The mobile workstation of claim 12, wherein the plurality of mounting surfaces are disposed at 90 degree angles to each other.
 16. The mobile workstation of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of accessory mounting locations are associated with at least one mounting hole.
 17. The mobile workstation of claim 16, wherein the mounting hole is threaded.
 18. The mobile workstation of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of accessory mounting locations are associated with at least two mounting holes having a first spacing, the at least one accessory has at least two mounting holes having a second spacing, wherein the first spacing generally corresponds to the second spacing.
 19. The mobile workstation of claim 18, wherein each of the mounting holes are threaded.
 20. The mobile workstation of claim 12, wherein the post is hollow, and at least one mounting surface is formed with an opening.
 21. The mobile workstation of claim 12, wherein the equipment holder is configured to accept at least one piece of equipment selected from the group consisting of a computer, portable computer, keyboard and display.
 22. The mobile workstation of claim 12, further comprising at least one accessory selected from the group consisting of a work surface and footrest.
 23. A mobile workstation, comprising: a post having a plurality of mounting surfaces, each mounting surface having a plurality of accessory mounting locations, a mobile base coupled to the post, and a work surface coupled to the post at a first accessory mounting location and an equipment holder coupled to the post at a second accessory mounting location.
 24. The mobile workstation of claim 23, further comprising a footrest coupled to the post at a third accessory mounting location.
 25. The mobile workstation of claim 23, wherein the each of the plurality of mounting surfaces faces outward in a different radial direction.
 26. The mobile workstation of claim 23, wherein the plurality of mounting surfaces are substantially planar.
 27. The mobile workstation of claim 23, wherein the plurality of mounting surfaces are disposed at 90 degree angles to each other.
 28. The mobile workstation of claim 23, wherein each of the plurality of accessory mounting locations are associated with at least one mounting hole.
 29. The mobile workstation of claim 28, wherein the mounting hole is threaded.
 30. The mobile workstation of claim 23, wherein each of the plurality of accessory mounting locations are associated with at least two mounting holes having a first spacing, the at least one accessory has at least two mounting holes having a second spacing, wherein the first spacing generally corresponds to the second spacing.
 31. The mobile workstation of claim 30, wherein each of the mounting holes are threaded.
 32. The mobile workstation of claim 23, wherein the post is hollow, and at least one mounting surface is formed with an opening.
 33. The mobile workstation of claim 23, wherein the equipment holder is configured to accept at least one piece of equipment selected from the group consisting of a computer, portable computer, keyboard and display.
 34. The mobile workstation of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of accessory mounting locations is associated with a mounting hole for accommodating a mounting plate for securing an accessory to the post.
 35. A mobile workstation comprising a post configured with a plurality of accessory mounting locations wherein at least one mounting location uses at least one single mounting hole and a mounting bracket for mounting an accessory.
 36. The mobile workstation of claim 1, wherein the post contains a channel configured to slideably mount an accessory to the post.
 37. The mobile workstation of claim 36, wherein the channel is configured to lock the accessory to the post. 